Some Lawmakers and Union Members Advocate for Walker's Bluff Resort

Southern Illinois Senator Dale Fowler joined a bi-partisan group of lawmakers in Springfield to talk about a measure involving the Walker's Bluff Resort project.

The Harrisburg republican Tuesday said according to calculations provided by a consulting firm for gaming, hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, the project in southern Illinois would be a huge economic boost for the region.

"The facility would contribute $15 million in local annual revenue; $34 million in local employment; $42 million in labor income; 1,250 construction jobs and 726 permanent jobs. The resort will be privately funded; all we are asking for is the resort to be included in the gaming bill."

At the same news conference in Springfield Tuesday, Laborers Local 773's Brandi Bradley said southern Illinois desperately needs these good paying jobs.

"Egyptian Building Trades has a highly trained and skilled workforce ready to be put to work and we're ready to get the shovels in the ground and get this project started."

Senator Fowler said the 160-acre resort will include a family entertainment complex; an indoor-outdoor water park; a 350-room lodge connected to the water park; a casino and a seven-story hotel connected to the casino.